Neymar left stunned by state of pitch ahead of Al-Hilal AFC Champions League clash in Iran

LONDON: Brazilian superstar Neymar appeared less than happy with the state of the pitch ahead of Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League clash with Iranian side Nassaji Mazandaran.

Footage was shared to X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday of Nassaji groundskeepers laying thin strips of turf over what appeared to be vast areas of exposed concrete only three days before the match.

Neymar replied underneath the clip with: “This is not possible,” along with facepalm and crying with laughter emojis.

This is not possible

— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) October 1, 2023

Some fans also took to the platform to warn the Brazilian against taking part in the match.

“Neymar don’t risk it bro, that pitch looks like a death-trap,” one wrote. Another simply said: “Welcome to Iran, Neymar.”

The former Paris Saint-Germain striker signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh club in August in a $98 million deal after six years with the French champions.

Al-Hilal began the defense of their AFC Champions League title with a 1-1 draw at home against Uzbek side Navbahor last month.